صفحة 328 من 896

"My meaning," answered the man of business, "is, of course,

friendly and appreciative, and that it does you the greatest

credit, and--in short, my meaning is everything you could desire.

But--really, you know, Mr. Stryver--" Mr. Lorry paused, and shook

his head at him in the oddest manner, as if he were compelled

against his will to add, internally, "you know there really is so

much too much of you!"

"Well!" said Stryver, slapping the desk with his contentious

hand, opening his eyes wider, and taking a long breath, "if I

understand you, Mr. Lorry, I'll be hanged!"

Mr. Lorry adjusted his little wig at both ears as a means towards

that end, and bit the feather of a pen.

"D--n it all, sir!" said Stryver, staring at him, "am I not

eligible?"

"Oh dear yes! Yes. Oh yes, you're eligible!" said Mr. Lorry. "If

you say eligible, you are eligible."

"Am I not prosperous?" asked Stryver.

"Oh! if you come to prosperous, you are prosperous," said Mr.

Lorry.

"And advancing?"